Dean Kiely hopes to finally get an explanation from Harry Redknapp tomorrow about the demise of his Portsmouth career after admitting he is yet to shake the manager's hand following a bitter exit.

The keeper joined Pompey on a free from Charlton in January 2006 and starred as the South Coast club won six of their last 10 matches to beat the drop following Redknapp's return as boss.

But Kiely found himself frozen out the next season after Redknapp bought David James from Manchester City for £1.2million in August 2006.

The axe hurt Kiely after his heroics and he opted to leave Fratton Park on loan for Luton before joining Championship West Brom in January last year.

But the shot-stopper, 37, insists he has come to terms with what happened ahead of the Baggies' meeting with Portsmouth at Wembley.

He said: "I hope I bump into Harry Redknapp and I will shake his hand - no problem.

"I still haven't received an explanation and it was the way it came about at Portsmouth - there were too many twists and turns.

"I like straightforward and genuine decisions and if decisions are good, bad or indifferent, I just want it given to me.

"I am sure Harry is happy with the job I did there in the six months because I went there at a very critical time and we were in a poor position and on the pitch I did very well for them.

"But Harry Redknapp had the opportunity to sign David James and we haven't got to the stage like the X-factor where there are polls on who should play and who the club should buy.

"The luxurious position Harry is in now to go and buy and make these changes wouldn't have been afforded to him if they fell into the Championship so I made a footballing contribution there I am pleased with.

"But I don't sit in a dark room hatching an evil plan to get one over on previous employers - it isn't me."

James, also 37, has performed brilliantly for Pompey to reclaim his previous position as England No.1.

And Kiely says they can both be proud of how their futures have unfolded since they first met 20 years ago on an Under-17 England schoolboys team.

He added: "We are a similar age and were both in the England schools together for a trip to Switzerland.

"I think we would both be happy enough with how our careers have turned out.

"David James is a cracking keeper doing very well and it is great he has reclaimed his England jersey."